EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COLD SORES

Photo from evansondds.com

Cold sores, commonly known as fever blisters, are caused by a viral infection. They are little, fluid-filled blisters that appear on and around your lips. These blisters are frequently clustered together in areas. When the blisters rupture, a scab forms that can linger for many days. Cold sores normally recover in two to three weeks with no scarring.

Close contact, such as kissing, spreads cold sores from person to person. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and, less commonly, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) cause them (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can harm your mouth or genitals and are transmitted through oral intercourse. Even if you don't see the sores, they are contagious.

Cold sores have no cure, but treatment can help manage outbreaks. Prescription antiviral medicines or lotions can aid in the healing of sores. They may also lower the incidence, duration, and severity of future epidemics.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLD SORES?

A cold sore normally progresses through the following stages:

Itching and tingling: Many people experience itching, burning, or tingling around their lips for a few days before a small, hard, painful patch forms and blisters form.

Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters usually appear along the edge of your lips. They might appear around the nose, cheeks, or inside the mouth.

Crusting and oozing: Small blisters may combine and then explode, resulting in shallow open wounds that ooze and crust over.

Depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence, the signs and symptoms will differ. Symptoms of a cold sore may not appear for up to 20 days after being exposed to the virus for the first time. The sores might linger for many days, and the blisters can take two to three weeks to completely heal. Recurrences usually occur in the same location and are less severe than the initial epidemic.

In a first-time outbreak, you may also encounter:

Fever

Gum pain

Sore throat

Headache

Muscle pain

Swollen lymph nodes

Children under the age of five may get cold sores within their mouths, which are frequently misdiagnosed as canker sores. Canker sores are produced by the herpes simplex virus but only involve the mucosal membrane.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR COLD SORES?

Cold sores can affect almost anyone. Even if they've never had cold sores, most individuals carry the virus that causes them.

You are particularly vulnerable to virus consequences if you have a compromised immune system as a result of diseases or treatments such as:

HIV/AIDS

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Chemotherapy for cancer

Anti-rejection medications for organ transplants

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS FOR COLD SORES?

The virus that causes cold sores can cause problems in other parts of the body in certain people, including:

Fingertips: HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both infect the fingers. Herpes whitlow is another name for this type of infection. Sucking their thumbs may allow the virus to spread from their mouths to their thumbs.

Eyes: The virus might occasionally cause eye infection. Repeated infections can result in scarring and damage, which can cause visual issues or loss of eyesight.

Widespread areas of skin: People who have a skin ailment called atopic dermatitis (eczema) are more likely to get cold sores all over their body. This could turn into a medical emergency.

HOW IS COLD SORES DIAGNOSED?

Cold sores are frequently diagnosed simply by looking at them. Your doctor may extract a sample from the blister for testing in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR COLD SORES?

Cold sores usually heal on their own in two to four weeks. Several antiviral prescription drugs may hasten the healing process. Some examples are:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Famciclovir

Penciclovir (Denavir)

Some of these products come in the form of pills that must be swallowed. Others are lotions that must be applied to the sores multiple times per day. In general, tablets perform better than creams. Some antiviral medications can be administered via injection for severe infections.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD SORES

Docosanol (Abreva), an over-the-counter cold sore treatment, may decrease the healing time of a cold sore. Apply it to the affected skin as indicated on the packaging at the first sign of symptoms. Apply medication to a cold sore with a cotton swab. This helps to keep the sores from spreading to other places of your body.

To alleviate the pain of a cold sore:

Try other cold sore treatments: Some OTC medications contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, which may hasten healing.

Lip balms and creams: Use a zinc oxide cream or sunblock lip balm to protect your lips from the sun. Apply a moisturizing cream to your lips if they get dry.

Use a compress: A cool, damp towel can assist to minimize redness, remove crusting, and improve healing. To relieve pain, apply a warm compress to the blisters.

Rest and experiment with pain relievers: If you have a fever or the cold sore is severe, take over-the-counter pain medicines. Creams containing lidocaine or benzocaine may provide some pain relief.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICATIONS FOR COLD SORES

Despite conflicting research findings, alternative medicine remedies for cold sores include:

Lysine: Lysine, an amino acid, is available as an oral supplement and as a cream.

Sage and rhubarb: A rhubarb and sage cream may be as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) cream.

Stress relief: If stress is causing your cold sores, you could attempt relaxation tactics such as lemon balm extract, deep breathing exercises, and meditation.

Propolis: This ointment, sometimes known as synthetic beeswax, is available in a 3 percent concentration. It may lessen the duration of the breakout if used early and frequently.

HOW CAN COLD SORES BE PREVENTED?